Goldsboro ready to battle Bunn

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on November 20, 2008 1:46 PM

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Eric Reid's foot is on the gas. Entering his second year as Goldsboro's head football coach, the Cougar alum wants to keep the program going in a positive direction.

Considering two 1,500-yard rushers graduated a year ago, Reid's main task this season was proving that 2007 wasn't a flash in the pan.

He's certainly silenced his critics.

With the "30 Boys" as the workhorses, the fifth-seeded Cougars (9-2-1) are running full throttle these days. Reid (pictured) hopes the momentum continues Friday against fourth-seeded Bunn, a football factory which consistently produces Division I prospects every season.

"We're going to have our hands full," said Reid.

The N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 2-A (small-school) playoff contest kicks off at 7:30 p.m. at Wildcat Stadium. Bunn (10-2) carries a six-game win streak into the game, while Goldsboro has won five in a row.

"Pound for pound, this is the best offensive and defensive line we've seen so far," said Reid. "That front five is very physical ... good size, athletic and they block well downfield. They run that wing-T well and they're efficient."

Penn State signee and Shrine Bowl selection Ty Howle, the son of head coach David Howle, anchors the offensive line. He and his mates block for their own version of a three-headed monster -- a trio of backs who piled up nearly 500 yards rushing in last week's 68-8 throttling of Croatan.

"We have to play assignment football and do it well," said Reid. "Their fullback is not a Kelvin Flow (former Southern Wayne standout), but he gets the carries like Kelvin Flow. You give him a head of steam and he runs like Kelvin Flow."

Goldsboro's engine can't sputter in the opening half.

Plagued by slow starts most of the season, the Cougars have managed to wear down and overpower opponents in the second half. Reid knows the same scenario can't take place against the Wildcats, who are seeking their third eastern semifinal appearance in the past five years.

Bunn will show different looks in its "40" defensive package. Goldsboro's offensive line must block well to give the "30 Boys" -- Andre Montgomery, A.J. Parker and Freddie Jones -- a chance to keep the sticks moving. The trio has combined for 3,128 yards and 40 touchdowns.

"We need to put two halves together," said Reid. "If we play like we are capable of playing, we can stay in the game. We don't have anything to lose and right now the only people who probably expect us to win is our team and a couple of fans.

"If we go in tense and tight, good things will not happen. I've told the guys the pressure really isn't on us."